Mourn the Living

Veteran Chicago Record reporter Alex Chapa is looking forward to a much needed vacation and time with his 10-year-old daughter, Nikki, whom he barely sees now that his ex has moved to Boston. Then his boss calls him back to cover for Jim Chakowski, killed in a mysterious explosion. As Alex digs into Chakowski's notes linking a string of murders to prominent city council members, he and Nikki come under fire. Short, choppy chapters move the action along at a measured clip, and detailed descriptions infuse the text with atmosphere and suspense, especially during flashbacks to Alex's childhood in Cuba and the murderer's dark and traumatic upbringing. The killer's identity is no surprise, but the final showdown keeps the adrenaline pumping right through the ending, which Perez (Killing Red) leaves wide open for possible sequels. (Aug.)